Many are currently hard at work trying to bring a Major League Baseball team to Utah. Now the state’s governing body wants to lend its support.
A concurrent resolution, SCR3, filed in advance of the 2024 legislative session by Sen. Lincoln Fillmore, R-South Jordan, and Rep. Ryan D. Wilcox, R-Ogden, expresses support for the state’s effort to land an MLB franchise in the future.
“This resolution recognizes Utah as an amazing state for sports, and supports efforts to bring a Major League Baseball franchise to Utah,” the lawmakers wrote.
Concurrent resolutions must be passed by both the House and Senate, and signed by the governor. But they are unenforceable. They are used generally to express the state’s position on a matter.
The resolution waxes poetic about the state, saying “heaven isn’t in Iowa, but in Utah” and its quality of life is “second to none.” It deems Utah “the most family-friendly state” and baseball “the most family-friendly sport.” It mentions the legacy of sports in the state, touting the Utah Jazz, Real Salt Lake and the 2002 Winter Olympics.
The final line of the resolution makes reference to the hit 1992 movie “The Sandlot,” which was partially filmed on a real dirt lot in Glendale.
“BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the only appropriate response to the suggestion another city or state is better prepared than Salt Lake City and the state of Utah for Major League expansion is: ‘You’re killin’ me, Smalls!’” it reads.
The Big League Utah coalition, backed by the Miller family and the Larry H. Miller Company, announced last April its bid to bring an MLB team to Utah. In August, it disseminated a survey asking for the public’s feedback and insights on a potential new team and stadium.
Just last month, the coalition announced “honorary and community advisory boards” consisting of figures such as Gail Miller, Gov. Spencer Cox, Utah State Senator Luz Escamilla, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, Senate President J. Stuart Adams and others.